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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Chicago. Written by Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann and Carrie Shepherd.

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New Ryan Field faces its neighborhood test

The new stadium is set to bring 35,000 people to Central Street in Evanston on Friday.

Sports

Northwestern football returns home Friday night, unveiling its $870 million Ryan Field nearly three years after the old stadium was demolished.The big picture: The Wildcats kick off against Penn State at 7pm Friday, exactly 100 years after the original Ryan Field opened.

Bite Club: The Reuben sundae

Kith Treats is serving three Katz's-inspired desserts, including a wild Reuben soft serve.

Food and Drink

New York&#x27;s legendary Katz&#x27;s Delicatessen has landed in Chicago, but don&#x27;t expect pastrami and corned beef.

New book highlights healing power of dance and more 

New book by Chicago's Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark illuminates many paths to healing.

Health

When Chicago physician <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Geeta Maker-Clark" data-vars-click-url="https://drgeetamakerclark.com/about/" data-vars-content-id="a2308e2a-253a-4d1f-a866-650dff87df41" data-vars-headline="New book highlights healing power of dance and more " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drgeetamakerclark.com/about/" target="_blank">Geeta Maker-Clark</a> launched her book &quot;Medicine For All People&quot; this summer, she knew there had to be dancing — and lots of it.

Chicago neighborhood quiz, volume 2: Do you know these famous landmarks?

There are so many landmarks in Chicago that it's ripe for a second quiz!

Neighborhoods

Last week, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I quizzed you" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/09/25/chicago-neighborhood-quiz-landmarks-lakeview-beverly-pilsen-gold-coast" data-vars-content-id="9efdac03-893d-41ff-b5ca-53b20dff4fc1" data-vars-headline="Chicago neighborhood quiz, volume 2: Do you know these famous landmarks?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/09/25/chicago-neighborhood-quiz-landmarks-lakeview-beverly-pilsen-gold-coast" target="_self">I quizzed you</a> on Chicago neighborhood landmarks. <ul><li>I gave you the landmark; you gave me the &#x27;hood.</li></ul>

One Chicago doctor is trying to keep women in medicine

Chicago's Women in Medicine Summit tackles the pay and workplace gaps pushing doctors to leave.

Women physicians can make millions less than their male colleagues, but a Chicago oncologist is working to change that.Why it matters: The pay gap is just one of the factors forcing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women out of the profession," data-vars-click-url="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/27/business/women-doctors-quit-medicine/" data-vars-content-id="eefb6bf2-967a-400e-9abe-99d8521f427a" data-vars-headline="One Chicago doctor is trying to keep women in medicine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/27/business/women-doctors-quit-medicine/" target="_blank">women out of the profession,</a> with negative effects on patient care.

Chicago ER waits exceed national averages

Deciding between the emergency room and urgent care could mean saving time and money.

Chicagoans spend more time in the emergency room than the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national average" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/09/14/californians-er-wait-times-data" data-vars-content-id="de783ba8-88e8-432b-83ea-8df151a916d1" data-vars-headline="Chicago ER waits exceed national averages" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/09/14/californians-er-wait-times-data" target="_self">national average</a>. But many patients may have another option.Why it matters: As we head into fall sick season, knowing whether your symptoms require the ER — or can be treated at urgent care — could save hours and potentially hundreds of dollars.

Chicago's dementia-friendly neighborhoods create connection

Memory cafes and informed neighbors can help people with dementia and their caregivers feel connected.

Isolation can shrink the worlds of people with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alzheimer&#x27;s disease" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/06/alzheimers-report-americans-dementia-symptoms" data-vars-content-id="92e755ce-b7dc-45bf-969c-0556323b3ae6" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s dementia-friendly neighborhoods create connection" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/06/alzheimers-report-americans-dementia-symptoms" target="_self">Alzheimer&#x27;s disease</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dementia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/29/unmarried-people-had-lower-dementia-risk-new-study-finds" data-vars-content-id="92e755ce-b7dc-45bf-969c-0556323b3ae6" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s dementia-friendly neighborhoods create connection" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/29/unmarried-people-had-lower-dementia-risk-new-study-finds" target="_self">dementia</a>.<ul><li>What if their neighbors knew how to connect with them?</li></ul>The big picture: That&#x27;s the idea behind dementia-friendly communities, which aim to help people with Alzheimer&#x27;s and other forms of dementia stay connected to the places and people around them.

Kids' suicide ER visits jump 74%

Half of youth suicide-related ER visits occurred at hospitals with fewer pediatric care resources.

Many emergency rooms receiving young people in need of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mental health services" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/09/illinois-universal-student-mental-health-screenings" data-vars-content-id="901fbcae-e5eb-42ef-b76d-724243f57300" data-vars-headline="Kids&#x27; suicide ER visits jump 74%" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/09/illinois-universal-student-mental-health-screenings" target="_self">mental health services</a> lack the resources to provide that care.Why it matters: About half of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="suicide-related visits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/11/girls-suicide-rates-boys-gender-gap" data-vars-content-id="901fbcae-e5eb-42ef-b76d-724243f57300" data-vars-headline="Kids&#x27; suicide ER visits jump 74%" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/11/girls-suicide-rates-boys-gender-gap" target="_self">suicide-related visits</a> from young people occurred at ERs with fewer annual pediatric visits, where therapists or other mental health care professionals aren&#x27;t on staff.<ul><li>That&#x27;s according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new study" data-vars-click-url="https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2026/09/childrens-suicide-related-emergency-visits-spiked-by-74-in-the-us-between-2016-2022?fj=1" data-vars-content-id="901fbcae-e5eb-42ef-b76d-724243f57300" data-vars-headline="Kids&#x27; suicide ER visits jump 74%" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2026/09/childrens-suicide-related-emergency-visits-spiked-by-74-in-the-us-between-2016-2022?fj=1" target="_blank">a new study</a> by doctors at Northwestern and Ann &amp; Robert H. Lurie Children&#x27;s Hospital. </li></ul>

Advocates race against clock to stop medical-aid-in-dying law

A federal judge rejected a bid to block Deb's Law days before the measure is set to take effect.

Politics

Legal challenges to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Illinois&#x27; medical-aid-in-dying law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/02/20/medically-assisted-death-law-illinois" data-vars-content-id="83e8cc34-0e22-485c-aa8b-3f7704705bba" data-vars-headline="Advocates race against clock to stop medical-aid-in-dying law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/02/20/medically-assisted-death-law-illinois" target="_self">Illinois&#x27; medical-aid-in-dying law</a> are coming down to the wire as the law is set to go into effect Saturday.Why it matters: A federal judge denied disability rights advocates&#x27; motion to block the state&#x27;s new law, but some are still fighting it on religious grounds.

Mosquito bite remedies: What works for itching and prevention

Axios readers offer suggestions from lemon oil to hair dryers and more.

After recently complaining about vicious mosquito attacks while walking my dog, I asked readers for their best itch remedies. 🦟 The buzz: Axios fans came through with a swarm of great advice for avoiding and treating mosquito bites — a few of which I&#x27;ve had a chance to try.

Chicago has no plan to reduce lead removal charges

Axios has been asking officials for a month and still has no answers

Chicago pays <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="twice to three times as much" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/07/burbs-pay-less-than-chicago-for-lead-line-removal" data-vars-content-id="6bab1a8d-21fd-4524-b674-2d1830a890ac" data-vars-headline="Chicago has no plan to reduce lead removal charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/07/burbs-pay-less-than-chicago-for-lead-line-removal" target="_self">twice to three times as much</a> as nearby suburbs to remove lead water lines, and after a month of questions, officials have not identified to Axios any concrete plans to reduce those charges.Why it matters: At Chicago&#x27;s current rate — $33,784 per line — the city will pay $12 billion to replace its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="400,000 toxic lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/25/chicago-state-federal-lead-deadlines" data-vars-content-id="6bab1a8d-21fd-4524-b674-2d1830a890ac" data-vars-headline="Chicago has no plan to reduce lead removal charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/25/chicago-state-federal-lead-deadlines" target="_self">400,000 toxic lines</a> over the next two decades, and taxpayers will shoulder much of the cost.

Coffee may help your heart, American Heart Association says

An American Heart Association review says up to five cups of black coffee may support heart health.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/17/coffee-cafes-2025-bad-owl-oud-overflow-discourse-dialtone-magnifico" data-vars-content-id="b92773c6-cf07-431c-a17b-300e08391853" data-vars-headline="Coffee may help your heart, American Heart Association says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/17/coffee-cafes-2025-bad-owl-oud-overflow-discourse-dialtone-magnifico" target="_self">Coffee</a> lovers rejoice. The American Heart Association says that extra cup may actually help your heart.Why it matters: Studies have found that caffeine is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="world&#x27;s most popular stimulant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223808/" data-vars-content-id="b92773c6-cf07-431c-a17b-300e08391853" data-vars-headline="Coffee may help your heart, American Heart Association says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223808/" target="_blank">world&#x27;s most popular stimulant</a>, and coffee is how most people enjoy it. A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new scientific statement " data-vars-click-url="http://newsroom.heart.org/news/coffee-and-heart-health-how-many-cups-of-caffeinated-coffee-are-safe-to-drink-each-day" data-vars-content-id="b92773c6-cf07-431c-a17b-300e08391853" data-vars-headline="Coffee may help your heart, American Heart Association says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://newsroom.heart.org/news/coffee-and-heart-health-how-many-cups-of-caffeinated-coffee-are-safe-to-drink-each-day" target="_blank">new scientific statement </a>from the AHA says up to five cups of coffee could be healthy.

Chicagoans rethink leafy greens amid outbreak

Axios Chicago asked readers how they're responding to the Cyclosporiasis outbreak.

Raw leafy greens are off the table for many Chicagoans as the country deals with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/cyclospora-outbreak-diarrhea-infection-wash-food" data-vars-content-id="66521808-ea5d-47c6-82f5-269974471337" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans rethink leafy greens amid outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/cyclospora-outbreak-diarrhea-infection-wash-food" target="_self">Cyclosporiasis outbreak</a>. Why it matters: An <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Chicago poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/21/cyclospora-outbreak-fda-taylor-farms-lettuce-summer-illinois-vegetables" data-vars-content-id="66521808-ea5d-47c6-82f5-269974471337" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans rethink leafy greens amid outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/21/cyclospora-outbreak-fda-taylor-farms-lettuce-summer-illinois-vegetables" target="_self">Axios Chicago poll</a> found that nearly half of respondents are avoiding lettuce while public health officials investigate.

Axios Vitals

A color-coded U.S. map shows the average wait time in emergency rooms from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. The U.S. median was 153 minutes. 

Health 🩺

New book highlights healing power of dance and more

One Chicago doctor is trying to keep women in medicine

Chicago ER waits exceed national averages

Chicago's dementia-friendly neighborhoods create connection

Kids' suicide ER visits jump 74%